The Ghost Face Murders in Fall River

Ch. 16

Author's Note: I'm terribly sorry that I haven't updated in awhile. Things in my life have been a bit difficult. I've been dealing with pain and sickness. I've been out of town and back. I'm still battling sickness, but I think I'm on the mend. I appreciate all the love, support, and patience. Thank you.

As soon as it turned eight o' clock, Danny left the house to get Autumn. He couldn't wait any longer, he hadn't even slept. All he wanted was to have Autumn back home and for everything to go back to the way it was. He drove over to Kim's and hurried to the front door where he rang the doorbell. When no one answered, he rang the doorbell again. He waited. Was going to ring the doorbell once more, but the door finally opened to a groggy looking Richard.

"Ah, it's you..." he grumbled slicking his hair back.

"Yeah, it's me. Where's Autumn? I'm here to pick her up," Danny replied.

"Didn't you go out with some other chick last night?" Richard wasn't about to let the guy in.

Danny exhaled sharply. Of course he knew, that was okay, Danny was glad that Autumn had friends she could talk to... not really. "I didn't go out with another chick, and that's all I'm going to say to you, now please get Autumn."

Richard glared at him. There was something definitely not right with the guy. He was being awfully pushy. Was it safe to let Autumn go home with him? "Does she know you were coming to pick her up?"

A wave of extreme anger washed over Danny, but before he could do or say anything reckless, Kim came to the door.

"Richard, just let him in please..." she said in a sleepy tone.

Richard hesitated, this wasn't his house but he wondered if he needed to step up and take things into his own hands. He wasn't trying to be a jerk this time, he really believed that Jed was some sort of threat to Kim and Autumn. Finally, he decided to step aside to avoid escalating the situation. He watched Danny as he entered into the house.

"Thank you, Kim," Danny said. "And Good morning," he added with a forced smile.

"Yeah, you're welcome – is everything okay between you and Autumn?" she asked.

Danny decided to be honest since it was clear the two were concerned. He didn't want anyone thinking he was no good and possibly try to talk Autumn into leaving him. By hell, he'd slaughter them all and take her far, far away. "Yes, everything is fine. I apologize for being overbearing and showing up rather early. I just – I was terrified that things were over between Autumn and I, and I just wanted to get over here and see her as soon as possible," he told them. "She's – extremely important to me and I don't want to lose her."

Kim thought it was very sweet and heartwarming, but Richard was thinking the complete opposite.

"Well, I'm glad things are good between you two," Kim said with a smile. "You're really important to her as well, she was... quite upset last night. I didn't think she'd ever come out of the bathroom."

Poor Autumn. Danny felt downright ashamed. "I'm sorry I caused such a fuss. I never meant to hurt Autumn like that. It's just somewhat of a complicated situation that – I'd rather not have to explain to anyone other than Autumn. I hope you understand."

"Oh, sure, I get it," Kim said. "It's between you two."

Richard wanted to speak up, but he decided against it. It was every bit of their business as well since Autumn got them involved. Plus, she was their friend, it was only right that the scum bag explained himself to them.

"Thank you for understanding. Could I please see Autumn now?" Danny asked. He shouldn't have to ask to see his girlfriend.

"Yeah, of course. I'll wake her up." Kim turned and walked into the living room, leaving the two men together.